Our Summary

Successful dental implants heavily rely on the quality and quantity of bone where the implant is to be placed. Over time, bone grafts have been used to treat various bone defects. Because dental implants are now widely accepted, there has been a significant increase in interest in bone reconstruction for the mouth. Many patients who want dental implants need additional procedures to enhance the quality and quantity of their bone. The internal structure of the bone, which reflects the strength of the bone, is critical when planning for the implant design, surgical approach, healing time, and initial progressive bone loading during the prosthetic reconstruction. Atrophy (wasting away) of the alveolar processes leads to a reduction in height and width. This paper, which includes data up to April 2019, provides a detailed and up-to-date overview of various bone grafts used in managing dental implants.

FAQs

  1. What is the role of bone quality and quantity in successful dental implant surgery?
  2. Why is bone reconstruction significant for dental implant surgery?
  3. What are some of the additional procedures that patients might need to enhance the quality and quantity of their bone for dental implants?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about dental implant surgery is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and implant success. This may include avoiding certain foods, practicing good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments with your dentist or oral surgeon. It is also important to communicate any concerns or complications with your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended dental implant surgery include:

  1. Patients with missing teeth who want a permanent and natural-looking solution to restore their smile and chewing function.

  2. Patients who have sufficient bone volume and density to support an implant, or who may require bone grafting procedures to improve bone quality.

  3. Patients who are in good overall health and do not have any medical conditions that may interfere with the healing process.

  4. Patients who are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups to ensure the long-term success of their dental implants.

  5. Patients who have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery and understand the potential risks and complications associated with dental implant surgery.

It is important for patients to consult with a qualified and experienced dental implant specialist to determine if they are a suitable candidate for dental implant surgery.

Timeline

Before dental implant surgery:

  1. Consultation: The patient meets with their dentist or oral surgeon to discuss their dental implant options and determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure.

  2. Pre-operative examination: The dentist or oral surgeon evaluates the patient’s oral health, takes X-rays and scans to assess the bone structure, and creates a treatment plan.

  3. Bone grafting (if needed): If the patient does not have enough bone to support the implant, a bone grafting procedure may be necessary to build up the bone in the implant area.

  4. Implant placement: The dental implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, and a temporary crown or bridge may be attached to the implant.

After dental implant surgery:

  1. Healing period: The patient’s jawbone needs time to heal and integrate with the implant, which can take several months.

  2. Abutment placement: Once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, an abutment is placed on top of the implant to connect the implant to the final restoration.

  3. Final restoration: The final crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the abutment, completing the dental implant process.

  4. Follow-up appointments: The patient will have regular follow-up appointments with their dentist to monitor the implant’s success and ensure proper oral hygiene maintenance.

Overall, the process of getting dental implants can take several months from the initial consultation to the final restoration. However, the result is a durable and natural-looking tooth replacement that can last a lifetime with proper care.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of dental implant surgery in general, and what is your personal success rate with this procedure?

  2. Will I need a bone graft before the dental implant surgery? If so, what type of bone graft will be used and how will it affect the overall success of the implant?

  3. How long will the entire dental implant process take, from the initial consultation to the final placement of the prosthetic tooth?

  4. What are the potential risks and complications associated with dental implant surgery, and how are they typically managed?

  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure, and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort during the recovery period?

  6. How long is the recovery period after dental implant surgery, and what steps can I take to ensure a smooth and successful healing process?

  7. Will I need to make any changes to my diet or oral hygiene routine after the dental implant surgery?

  8. How long can I expect the dental implant to last, and what factors can affect its longevity?

  9. What is the cost of dental implant surgery, and will my insurance cover any part of the procedure?

  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to dental implants that I should consider before making a decision?

Reference

Authors: Sghaireen MG, Shrivastava D, Alnusayri MO, Alahmari AD, Aldajani AM, Srivastava KC, Alam MK. Journal: Curr Pediatr Rev. 2022;19(1):15-20. doi: 10.2174/1573396318666220411105715. PMID: 35410611